Fans are second-guessing Sherrone Moore's decision to announce QB change

Chris Breiler | Sep 18, 2024

Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore walks off the field after the 31-12 loss to Texas at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. / Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

Michigan's Sherrone Moore announced on Monday that junior quarterback Alex Orji would be taking over as the starter for the Week 4 matchup against USC. Although a change at QB was expected after senior Davis Warren tossed three interceptions against Arkansas State last weekend, many were surprised to hear Moore make the announcement on Monday.

"Alex [Orji] will start on Saturday," Moore said. "I'm excited for him. He's been in here champing at the bit, so we'll move on from there."

That initial feeling of surprise quickly turned to criticism toward the U-M head coach, as many thought that Moore made a mistake by tipping his hand. By announcing the decision to roll with Orji on Saturday, critics say that Moore gave USC an advantage ahead of the top 20 matchup. Some critics even took it a step further, saying the decision to announce the QB change during a Monday press conference was further proof that Moore was in over his head.

why announce this? https://t.co/I1BJ8xdvJw

— Nick Baumgardner (@nickbaumgardner) September 16, 2024

truly have no idea why they’d announce this https://t.co/HWxfnfdTSP

— Brad Rowland (@BTRowland) September 16, 2024

That’s how you can tell this coach is a rookie. You don’t announce it Monday to give the opposition an entire week to prepare for it 🤦🏾‍♂️

USC 34
Michigan 13 https://t.co/nSqyLWPIxX

— Zooloo_Trojan ⚔️✌🏾 (@Zooloo_Trojan) September 16, 2024

As a USC fan thank you for alerting us early. As a football fan in general why even announce this? Shut up and show up and trot him on the field.

— Antwon (@AntwonTX) September 16, 2024

Why are we announcing this on Monday? This should have been withheld until the very last minute. Nwo they have time to prepare for Orji instead of Warren. Hapless coaching going at my program. Did we rehire Hoke the joke?

— BSN,RN,CLNC (@trochele) September 16, 2024

So did Moore make a mistake by announcing a QB change on Monday, or is this just another overreaction by some within the college football world?

We discuss that and more on Wednesday's episode of The Winged Helmet podcast:

- Enjoy more Michigan Wolverines coverage on Michigan Wolverines On SI -

More Michigan News:

• Lincoln Riley on Michigan: 'This is still a very, very, very good football team'

• Sherrone Moore on Alex Orji: 'He's done the things that we think can help us win'

• Matt Leinart is 'Nervous for USC' this weekend against the Michigan Wolverines